For the second time in Switzerland an anarchist bookfair will take place. This time, it will be in the bilingual city of Biel-Bienne, wich has a long anarchist tradition, an old town that is worth visiting and a beautiful countryside, between the lake and jurassian hills. Equally, this year, many french, german and swiss editions will be there to present you the anti-autoritarian contemporary litterature. The intellectual thirst can be quenched with many different conferences and workshops. Multiple cultural events will be sure to provide a good general atmosphere.

The bookfair will take place 15th and 16th of May 2010 at the "Farelsaal". There will be over 30 patecipants (publishing houses, journals, anarchist groups, booktables...) And there's many space for other events: exhibitions, discussions, cinema, art, reading, presentations, workshops,... And finally there is a concert saturday night at "Gaskessel" with: http://www.fredalpi.com / http://www.myspace.com/berlinskadroha / http://www.traktorkestar.ch / miscellaneous DJs

Why an anarchist bookfair in Biel?

Whereas more and more anarchist bookfairs are being held all over the world, things have remained conspiciously calm in German-speaking countries. In February 2009 the first such event took place in Winterthur in Switzerland. The success of this book convention almost compels a continuation, but there is one thing missing in Winterthur, that would make another place more suitable: The event should not only attract German-speaking visitors and offerers, but also those from French- and Italian-speaking regions. Being the largest bilingual city in Switzerland, Biel/Bienne offers a fertile ground. This is just one good reason: situated at the foot of where the legendary Fédération Jurassien was seated, the anarchist tradition lives on in Biel today: despite the 55'000 inhabitants, there are squats, an autonomous youth centre with an over 40 year old history, the „Chat Noir“ being one of the very few anarchist infokiosks, a self-governing popular kitchen with daily hot meals, an autonomous print office... What’s more the city has been a popular meeting point for anarchists from all over the country due to ist advantageous geographical location. In a nutshell: An ideal place for an anarchist book convention!